Tech Basketball Gets International Commitment From Ammanuel Diressa

Apr 30, 2012

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Steve Payne’s 2012-13 signing class
has expanded once again with a commitment from Ammanuel Diressa, a
6-4 multi-position player from Eastern Commerce high school (ECHS)
in Toronto, Ontario.

With his signing at Tech, Diressa becomes the 19th
player from Eastern Commerce to receive a full scholarship to a
Division I institution since 1995.

"Manny is a big time shooter,” Golden Eagle head coach
Steve Payne said. “He has a tremendous feel for the game and
is a good ball-handler and distributor. We are looking to use Manny
as a big two-guard who could possibly slide to the one.”

Under head coach Kevin Jeffers at ECHS, Diressa averaged 17.6
points and 8.6 rebounds per game during his senior campaign, and
played every position on the court over the course of his high
school career. He also added 4.5 assists and 2.1 steals per contest
during the 2011-12 season.

“The entire Diressa family is definitely happy that Manny
made this decision,” Jeffers said of Diressa’s
commitment to Tech. “The school fits him well.

“We watched a number of Tech’s games on ESPN-U this
past season, and Manny was incredibly intent on breaking down the
Golden Eagle offense and defense. When I asked him if he thought he
would be comfortable playing at that level, he was confident with
his response that he definitely thought he could contribute at
Tech. He loves the style of play.”

As do all of Payne’s signees, Diressa has proven not only
his ability to execute an offense and lead his team on the floor,
but also his potential to bring intangible characteristics to the
roster.

“He is very hardworking and dedicated, not only to the
game of basketball but also to his academics,” Jeffers said.
“He’s competitive, inquisitive, and is always asking
the right questions. He’s very eager to continue learning
about the game at Tennessee Tech.”

With the addition of Diressa and last week’s commitment
from transfer Josiah Moore, the incoming 2012-13 class has grown to
seven. Diressa and Moore joined DeOndre Haynes on the list of
spring commitments, while Shaq Calhoun, Anthony Morse, Jay Johnson
and Eric Weisenbach comprised the fall signing class.